Friday, February 28, 2014

Week 8

A very stressful week. Firts I had to complete my report and send it to the wiki. I still feel very uneasy about what I have written. I hope it is what Donna expects us to do.

Next task was to download the online tool and describe it on the Nicenet. Then I realised that I'm doing quite a lot because every group I teach has either a blog or a nicenet. I am proud of myself. Anyway I have noticed changes in my approach to teaching. I find a lot of joy and satisfaction when I see my students enjoying the activities I have prepared.

Now Istill have to evaluate my partner's project. Unfortunately I have to wait till she publishes it. I hope it will be soon so thet I ahve time to read it.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Week 7

This was the week full of activities connected to the project. I gave asignments to students (to warch a given video, write questions, prepare for discussion). and I liked the outcome. Stdents answered to my posts. We correceted the questions they wrote and they spoke during the lesson. I found this activity very effective because they were eager to speak. I also liked the reflection they wrote on my blog. I think this is a very useful and easy tool to work with.

I liked the Padlet alot. I think this is a perfect way to infrom students of important things, give them additional reading or listening tasks.They can also add their own links and share things they like.

The learner autonomy topic is quite important. I think it is very difficult to "create" an autonomous students but it is not impossible. We, as teachers. must show them ways to become independent and responsible for their own development, but what they will do with it, it depends on them

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Week 6

I have started working on the project with great enthusiasm but with a lot of worries at the same time.

I created a tutor blog and I informed the class about it. Their reaction surprised me because they were very interested in the idea of working on the blog.

I posted the first assignment which was to watch a short documentary, write what they learn and write 5 questions. I'm going to use these questions on Tuesday to make the class speak.

I'm very eager to see what will happen,


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Week 5

It is difficult to believe the first half of the course is almost over.

This week I finally learnt how to make rubrics. I was a bit upset that the idea of rubric appeared here and there and I still couldn't use it. The WebQuest and the idea of alternative assessment are new elements which I hope to introduce in my everyday school routine.

I liked creating my first WebQuest. I realise I can use it in many different ways, not only in teaching English. i think it is a very good tool to motivate students to do any kind of research. the only thing that bothers me is a restrictive access to the computer classroom in my school. This means that I will have to ask students to do the research at home.

I am happy I have a clear idea what I want to do as my project work. I ahve noticed that most of my course colleagues have chosen WebQuest. For me speaking is the most important problem so I decided to use class blog and Nicenet . I don't know what Donna will say to it. If she suggests I should change my idea, I am ready to think of something else.

I am already looking forward to the next week's assignments.
Ula

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Week 4

It is difficult to believe that week 4 is almost over. It was a very interesting week for me. First of all I found the reading materials extremely interesting and useful. I was looking for simple ideas how to teach reading or writing using the Internet and the tips presented in the articles answered most of my questions and doubts. On top of it, I was really happy to see the article by Mr. Krajka who teaches at the university I graduated from and who is well known expert on methodology in Poland.

It was really difficult for me to write the lesson plan because first I had to decide on the subject and then choose one or two activities from numerous possibilities offered by various websites. I tried to connect the activity with the course I teach and I'm going to teach the lesson the following week. I'm very curious what will come out of it.

The next task was connected with the project we are going to work on. The suggested websites were very helpful in choosing the issue I want to work on. I have a clear idea now what I want to improve and I'm already considering different ways of dealing with the problem. I hope next weeks will help me to "materialise" my ideas and put them into practice.

Now I'm really looking forward to the next week and assignments.